Westerly Sun Column | Books On Pie (or Pi) to Whet Your Appetite

‘Pie, pie, me oh my”. All it takes is the mere mention of pie for my mind to be flooded by this catchy jingle, sung by Andie McDowell in the 1996 film “Michael”. To be honest, it’s probably been stuck in my head to some degree SINCE 1996, but things have intensified recently as Pi Day (3/14) is coming up! If you aren’t familiar with the tune, I recommend checking out the film, which stars John Travolta as rather uncouth version of the Archangel Michael. Or, if you prefer, we have plenty of other books on pie (or Pi!) to whet your appetite.

Some of the books in our collection are dedicated entirely to the art of pie making, like the aptly named “Art of the Pie” by James Beard Award–nominated author Kate McDermott. In it, McDermott gives detailed instructions for making more than a dozen different crusts, and a huge variety of fillings. You won’t find a lot of unique or unusual recipes in McDermott’s book; most of her recipes are for pretty standard pies like Lemon Meringue and Strawberry Rhubarb (not to mention, an entire chapter devoted to the “Quintessential Apple Pie”), but each of recipe includes time-tested and detailed instructions that result in beautiful, flaky, tender, delicious pies.

We also have a nice collection of locally focused cookbooks, such as Adrienne Kane’s “United States of Pie: Regional Favorites from East to West and North to South”. In it, Kane presents recipes gathered from church and community groups throughout the country, including many classics and prized family favorites. Another great option is “New England Desserts: Classic and Creative Recipes for All Seasons” by Tammy Donroe Inman, which includes deliciously sweet recipes that make the most of our native plants throughout every season.

Though pies can be made both sweet and savory, they still aren’t to everyone’s tastes. There are those who like to spend Pi Day celebrating the mathematical constant, rather than baking and eating pie, and we have plenty of materials for them, too! “By the Numbers 3.14” by National Geographic Kids is a great option for youngsters who have an interest in numbers, with plenty of infographics that explore the world from the perspective of numbers. For mathematically minded adults, “Humble Pie: When Math Goes Wrong in the Real World” by Matt Parker is a fascinating exploration of real-world mathematical disasters and near misses, which showcases the big impact that the smallest numerical mistake can have.

If you cannot – or refuse to – choose between math and baking, nobody says you have to! Pick up a copy of “Pieometry: Modern Tart Art and Pie Design for the Eye and the Palate” by Lauren Ko, which combines the best of both worlds. Known for her viral Instagram “@lolokitchen”, which is full of eye-catching, modernist, precisely symmetrical pies, Ko’s cookbook reveals some of the secrets and techniques behind her amazing creations. I’ve heard they are as delicious as they are beautiful so, if you get inspired to recreate one, please know that I am available at the library for taste-testing.

by Cassie Skobrak, Adult Services Librarian